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Do you fancy having a go? Or do you think they must all be barmy?
We asked Matt Walmsley what it's like 15000 feet up...
What
kind of training could a complete beginner expect?
"There are two options open to make your first jump: First
is the Static
Line Solo Jump Course.
After completing an in-depth 6-hour training course you'll be ready
to jump and fly your own "square" parachute and experience
the sense of achievement and thrill that can only come from doing
it by yourself. Once trained you'll be helped into your parachute
equipment and then make your way to the jump plane with your instructor.
At 3,500 feet, your training kicks in as the instructor invites
you to make that first jump. Seconds later your parachute opens
automatically and you guide yourself down to the landing area whilst
enjoying a whole new perspective on the countryside during a truly
unforgettable 5 minute descent.
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Danny
takes Rachael on her Tandem Skydive
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"Then
there's the Tandem Skydives. Securely attached to your specialist
instructor and his Tandem parachute equipment you'll freefall together
from 10,000 feet at 120mph until, at 5000 feet, your instructor
opens the parachute and guides you both back down to earth during
a memorable eight minute ride. As you're the passenger the training
requirements are shorter than for a Static line jump."
What
height do you jump from?
"We have our parachute open at 2000 feet but would skydive
from up to 15,000 feet."
What's
the best thing about skydiving?
"For me it's the freedom for that short period of freefall
I can fly my body unrestricted through the air perhaps joined by
my skydiving friends. It captures 100% of your senses. There's a
real sense of camaraderie on the sport too and always something
new to learn."
Do
you do any special moves while you're diving?
"Well there are a lot of things you can do in freefall - Formation
Skydiving - falling face / belly to earth with other skydivers attempting
to build pre-arranged formations. Skysurf - fly a "skyboard"
on your feet in freefall. FreeFly - fly your body in any attitude
head down, stood up, on your bag - what ever you like - a fast and
furious skydiving discipline that can ge enjoyed solo or in a group.
Freestle - especially performing gymnastic / ballet like movements
whilst in freefall - a very creative aspect of the sport and video
with a fly helmet mounted video and stills cameras to capture to
beauty and freedom of the sport we love."
Where's
your favorite place to skydive?
"In the UK it's Black Knights Parachute Centre, my home Drop
Zone. I also love to skydive in Florida which seems to be the heart
of the sport world wide - there's such a choice of drop zones, aircraft
and training facilities over there."
Have
you ever been injured whilst skydiving?
"Only the odd bruised toe and rear now and again. Safety is
the primary concern of all skydivers, these days parachute equipment
is very reliable with computerize back up reserve parachute opening
and electronic altitude awareness devices. I think people would
be surprised how lower the injury rate is in our sport compared
to more main stream activities like horse riding."
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Smiles
all round when you've landed safely!
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I
believe you. What's been your scariest moment?
"Seeing how much I've spent over the weekend on jumping! I
always get excited and sometime a little anxious when training /
competing but these things serve to heighten your awareness and
ultimately your performance. In many ways skydiving can be as much
a mental / cerebral activity as much as an physical one."
What
went through your mind on your first jump?
" It
was a combination of anticipation, anxiety and a little stress making
that first jump. That said as the instructor shouted go I just jumped
and followed the drills as I had been trained. It's strange but
once I had left the plane all that tension left and I really enjoyed
it. I only ever planned to "just do one jump" but I'm
still in the sport 10 years later and still love it!"
And
finally - do you recommend taking a clean pair of pants with you
when you're skydiving?
"You'll
be glad to know my underwear has never been a casualty of my skydiving…
"
If
Matt's inspired you to have a go, get in touch with the Black Knights
via their website... I'm off
for a lie down...
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